A guide to vibrant hair color products

How to add technicolor tresses

"It's just really fun," says Evan Spearnak, a spokesman for temporary hair color product Hair Color Chalk. "We have all the options to be able to express ourselves with body art forms like tattooing and piercing — why not hair?"

Whether you want rainbow locks for a few days or a few months, there's a product for you. Here are a few of the latest.
— Missy Wilkinson

Hair color chalk and regular hobby chalk both contain talc, but that's where the similarity ends. A response to the trend of using chalk to stain hair, Hair Color Chalk was created in January 2012 and is formulated not to damage strands. To apply, run the applicator across sections of hair until the desired color is achieved. The color lasts two to three shampoos and, unlike a lot of other temporary methods, it shows up on dark hair. "People like to use multiple colors to create streaks," Spearnak says. — Missy WilkinsoN

Whether you crave lavender locks or a brilliant blue mane, Paris Parker salons can match the color you desire. Colorist Chrissie Gilberti says the salon can provide effects ranging from bold colorblocking to soft pastel palettes. She encourages clients to use their hair to make a statement.

"No matter how bold or how subtle you want to go, this type of coloring is a great way to be on trend," Gilberti says. "You just have to commit to it if you want to express yourself in this way."

Gilberti recommends customers think carefully before taking the plunge. Consider how often you can commit to touch-ups, how vibrant you want your color to be, and the amount of color you want.

Since trends come and go, maintenance might not be a huge factor. However, regular appointments are important to keep your color looking its best, and using glosses and toners between appointments helps maintain its vibrancy. — Angela Hernandez

If you don't want to damage your hair with bleach or dyes, but you're looking for vivid, long-lasting color, consider tape-in extensions. They're made from human hair that has been soaked in dye for a week, says Fifi Mahony's stylist Jamey Gandy, so even notoriously short-lived hues like candy-apple red don't bleed or fade. "They come in every color of the rainbow, or we can custom-dye them," Gandy says.

The installation process is quick and comfortable. Extensions come in 1-inch strips that are applied to hair using a surgical adhesive. After six to eight weeks, the extensions can be removed, washed and reinstalled. "I've had mine for one-and-a-half years," Gandy says. "You can use them to put a streak in blonde hair, or instead of lightening your hair, get a few rows at the bottom, and it will look ombre."
— Missy Wilkinson